Astore frequently asked questions

Q1. What is the difference between DWI approved and WRAS approved (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme approved) product, and where are they needed?
The primary standards needed for pipework to be installed and conform in the UK is: Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI approved) which is legal requirement for all distribution and water treatment pipe, including ABS and PVC pipe and fittings and then for systems that are responsible for transporting potable water above the stop cock the system needs to be fully WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved, again this is needed for all ABS and PVC pipe and fittings.

Q2. What is the shelf life of Astore solvent cements, and what systems can it be used with?
Solvent cement can only be used on certain types of plastic pipe systems, these include both ABS pipe and fittings and PVC pipe and fittings, but not Astore clamp saddles or compression fittings. A different solvent cement is needed for ABS pipe and fittings and PVC pipe and fittings, both of which are available from all Astore stockists. Tins are marked with a minimum shelf life of 24 months. Tests have shown no deterioration on unopened tins after 5 years storage, but it has not been possible to determine an upper limit. The cements do not experience any invisible changes, so if the viscosity is OK, (i.e. no thickening), the cement is usable.

Q3. What insulation materials can I use with ABS pipe and fittings?
Care must be taken when specifying insulation materials for plastic pipe systems, this is particularly important when insulating ABS pipe and fittings. Astore UK recommends that mineral wool types such as ‘Rockwool’, Class 1 HT Armaflex or Phenolic foam types such as ‘Koolphen’ manufactured by Kooltherm are suitable, and all others should be avoided unless the Astore technical department has given prior approval.

Q4. Can I joint ABS pipe and fittings to PVC-U pipe and fittings?
It is not recommended to joint two different plastic pipework systems via solvent cementing, but it can be done, provided that both the ABS pipe and fittings and the PVC pipe and fittings are suitable for the application, (e.g. on an ambient water system). Joints must be made strictly in accordance with recommendations. PVC-U solvent cement must be used.

Q5. What pipework system do you recommend for low temperature applications?
ABS pipe remains ductile at temperatures as low as -40ºC and is ideally suited to low temperature applications.

Q6. Is it possible to tap into a live ABS pipe or PVC-U pipe?
Unfortunately, squeeze off technology developed for PE mains cannot be used on ABS pipe or PVC-U pipe. Pipe freezing is possible. There are however, companies who specialise in this work.

Q7. What is the lowest/highest ambient temperature at which I can successfully make solvent weld joint on either ABS or PVC pipe?
Temperature is not critical provided that surfaces of the plastic pipe and fittings are kept dry and clean. However, for below zero temperatures, you should allow additional curing time, as the evaporation rate of the solvent will be slowed down.

Q8. How can we test the installation of ABS and PVC pipe and fiitings?
Following installation and allowing the appropriate drying times, the suggested method of testing is to fill the pipework (consisting of either ABS and PVC pipe and fiitings) with water ensuring that no air pockets remain, and carry out a hydrostatic pressure test up to 1.5 times the maximum working pressure or rated pressure of the ABS or PVC system. The plastic pipework is then left pressurised for a period not exceeding 1 hour.

Q9. Can the solvent cement jointing process cause toxins within the pipework? Which can then transfer into the fluid that the pipework holds?
We can confirm that solvent cement jointing (either with ABS or PVC systems) does not create toxins in the pipework or conveyed fluid. The solvent part of the cement is designed to ‘melt’ the pipe surfaces and allow easy assembly of components, after which the solvent evaporates away completely to leave a fully cold welded/homogenous joint. Durapipe solvent cements and associated products have been tested and approved for use with cold potable water systems by WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) and can be regarded as fully WRAS approved.

Q10. Which, if any, of your systems would be recommended for a vacuum application?
Most of the pressure rated plastic systems can be used at full vacuum conditions at ambient temperatures, but for reasons of ‘safe fracture mode’ we would normally offer ABS pipe and fittings as the first choice. Any chemical considerations would need to be taken into account for final advice.